Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 233 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns worth booking?
Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns is a 11.5-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $179 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 233 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (233)
- Duration
- 11.5 hours
- From
- $179 per person
The only Outback Full-Day Tour! Explore the Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge and other gems of the Australian Outback on this full-day tour. With a naturalist guide, you'll travel by 4WD vehicle through the McAllister Ran
What you get
About this experience
The only Outback Full-Day Tour! Explore the Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge and other gems of the Australian Outback on this full-day tour. With a naturalist guide, you'll travel by 4WD vehicle through the McAllister Ranges, the Great Dividing Range and the Australian Outback while listening to informative commentary about the region’s wildlife, history and Aboriginal culture. Take a guided tour through the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park with a local ranger, drive near the wetlands to spot Australian native wildlife, see historic mining towns, and enjoy morning tea at the local Skybury Coffee Plantation and lunch at a classic Chillagoe Pub during this small-group tour limited to 19 passengers.
What's included
Included
- Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park Guided Tour with a local ranger
- Granite Gorge National Park and see local rock wallabies
- Return transfers wtih local driver guide and live commentary
- Morning Tea at Skybury Cafe and Roastery with tea, coffee and sweet treats
- Visit the Chillagoe Smelter Ruins
- Visit Balancing Rock and see Aboriginal Rock Art
- Lunch at a classic Aussie pub in Chillagoe
Not included
- Port Douglas & Northern Beaches transfers additional cost (book with reservations before travel)
- Southside accommodation - please make your way to the tour operator's office to join tour.
What you'll see and do
Cairns
Pick up by your driver guide from the Cairns area. (Port Douglas and Northern Beaches transfers are available but for an additional cost, please book with reservations before travel and Southside accommodation - please make your way to the tour operator's office to join tour.)
10 minutes here
The heart of one of Australia’s most diverse and richest food bowls Skybury Tropical Plantation has grown the country’s best coffee and tropical fruit for the past 30 years. Enjoy morning tea, with coffee, tea and sweet treats.
30 minutes here
Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park
Explore the Chillagoe Caves. Follow your guide through the fossilized remains of the ancient coral reefs over 400 million years old. Once an inland sea, these limestone labyrinths are a spectacular sight to see.
120 minutes here
Chillagoe Smelters
Here we delve into the history of the Chillagoe copper smelters, whose old chimneys dominate the western horizon. We visit the remains of the once-mighty smelters to ponder what it was like working there.
30 minutes here
Balancing Rock
Visit Balancing Rock for an iconic photo opportunity. Then, see Aboriginal Rock Art and learn about some Dreamtime stories with your guide.
60 minutes here
Enjoy lunch at a true Australian Outback Pub for lunch in the heart of Chillagoe town. Please advise of any special dietary requirements before travel.
60 minutes here
Granite Gorge Nature Park
A privately owned nature park near Mareeba with stunning scenery as you walk along the short circuit navigating massive boulders. Striking scenery and wildlife galore. The big drawcard at Granite Gorge is the rock wallabies. This colony is an endangered species that is unique to the Mareeba area. Plus, you’ll see other native wildlife.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Billy Tea Safaris
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Please wear closed-toe shoe and bring a light jacket or sweater in the cooler months (June - August)
- A reasonable level of fitness is required, as there are steps and uneven terrain leading into the caves
- Port Douglas & Northern Beaches transfers additional cost (once booked, please book with reservations before travel)
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 11.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Fri
- Price range
- $179 to $239
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 82
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Billy Tea Safaris, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.8.
See everything Billy Tea Safaris runsWhy this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.
How much does Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns cost?
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Prices start at $179 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cairns & the Tropical North usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns take?
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Plan for about 11.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cairns & the Tropical North is not rushed.
Is Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 233 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Cairns & the Tropical North, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns?
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Around 82 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cairns & the Tropical North can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cairns & the Tropical North and add a light layer if any part of the 11.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cairns & the Tropical North within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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On Outty we rank every Cairns & the Tropical North experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran, Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour, Tully River Full-Day Rafting: Cairns, Mission Beach or Self-Drive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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